Another week passed without bringing anything new to light concerning the missing bonds. During that time the Rover boys received two visits from the headquarters' detectives, and were again subjected to innumerable questions.
"We're on a new tack," said one of the sleuths. "I think we'll be able to report something to you in a few days."
"You can't do it too quickly," returned Dick.
"Oh, I know that," answered the detective, with a short laugh; and then he and his companion backed themselves out.
"Say, Dick, I don't take much stock in those fellows," was Tom's comment. "They are good at talking, but it looks to me as if they didn't know where they were at."
"Exactly the way I look at it!" broke in Sam.
During that time the boys also received visits from several private detectives, all anxious to take hold of the case, but none of them willing to do so without first receiving a generous retainer.
"I am not going to pay out anything in advance," Dick told one of these fellows—a shabby looking chap. "You locate the bonds, and you'll be well paid for it."
"I don't work unless I'm paid for it," snapped the detective, and left the offices quite indignant.
"I suppose we could get a thousand detectives on this case if we were willing to put up the money," said Tom.